With a large music industry such as Japan has, the second largest in the world, it is inevitable that music fans will be inundated with a profusion of good (and also less good) music from this country. It is impossible to keep track of this and write a review about it per video. But to avoid missing out on gems, it is time for a weekly list of new music videos from lesser-known Japanese musical acts that are definitely worth watching. We are now looking back on a couple of videos that were released in week 26 of the year 2021. Enjoy the new discoveries!
allicholy – リフレイン (Rearrange) (Refrain (Rearrange))
The concept of this five-piece rock band is to create melancholic songs for everyday life. Influenced by shoegaze and dream pop bands in Japan, allicholy started their live activities in 2018. The vocals’ fragile, haunting melodies colour the floating, roaring guitars and heartfelt keyboards tones. — Recommended by Francisca
Curve – satellites
After being active for 18 years, it is not surprising that a music project goes through many changes to stay active. Rock band Curve is a good example. With Yusei Ra as the only original member, the band has been still going strong. The band states they are influenced by bands like Nirvana, Mogwai and Queen, among others. — Recommended by Francisca
The Keeley – Bad Seed
The Keeley are a 4-piece noise rock band based in Tokyo. The band got formed in 2010 and has several releases on its name. The Keeley will soon do something interesting by releasing two EPs at the same time, one titled Black and the other titled Pink. The releases have been preceded by a bizarre and intriguing music video. — Recommended by Francisca
Fallsheeps – 欠乏 (Lack)
Fallsheeps got formed in 2018 with Yokosuka as its home base. Their music is a melting pot of cutting edge guitar rock, shoegaze, American indie music, nostalgia and loneliness. With the goal of enlivening Yokosuka with art, as part of this, the alternative rock band has been holding an annual event, named Culture Club Yokosuka. — Recommended by Francisca
TASOGARE -雨上がり (AMEAGARI)
Sapporo-based rock band TASOGARE was formed after two school friends, bassist Ryo and drummer Yuta, were looking for a guitarist after their previous band fell apart. After finding Kenken, they immediately started performing on stage. The trio has released four singles so far and has already made a commendable impression. — Recommended by Francisca
シノカ (Shinoka) – ふたり (Futari)
Shinoka are a three-piece rock band based in Tokyo that started out in the summer of 2020. On the same day they announced their activities, they announced the release of their first demo and the inclusion on a compilation CD. Another demo was released at the start of 2021 and now it is waiting for more. — Recommended by Francisca
iyu – No Wonder
Iyu is the name of a five-piece band based in the city of Tokyo. While picking up the elements of the hustle and bustle of the city, they create carefree and fleeting music that fits under the pop umbrella. Perfectly for a when you are travelling and enjoying the surroundings. No wonder is the title of their second single. — Recommended by Francisca
Next week we will be back for a new list of new music videos to check out. But you can also look back to the earlier editions of this weekly article series for when you yearn for more musical gems!
